Bajaj V12

The Bajaj V12, which is now part of the brand’s successful ‘V’ series of motorcycles, is positioned as a premium 125cc commuter motorcycle. It’s essentially a toned down version of the V15 with a smaller 125cc engine and an affordable price tag of Rs 58,458 (ex-showroom Delhi). It’s expected to appeal to buyers looking for a sturdy commuter offering efficient performance and distinctive styling. It borrows the same neo-retro styling from the V15 along with a sporty headlamp with AHO, a beefy fuel tank, a chrome-tipped matte black exhaust and a removable rear cowl. However, it gets an analogue instrument console instead of the semi-digital unit seen on the V15. It also makes do with a different set of alloy wheels to keep costs in check.

The Bajaj V12 is powered by an air-cooled 124.5 cc, four-stroke engine that churns out 10.7PS @ 7500rpm and 10.9Nm @ 5500rpm. It comes paired to a 5-speed transmission that transfers power to the rear wheel via chain drive and offers seamless shifts. 

Braking duties are handled by 130mm drum brakes on either end. It uses a dual-cradle frame with telescopic forks and a twin gas-charged suspension setup at the rear. Bajaj offers the V12 in a single shade of black with red stripes that run diagonal to the tank and side panels.

Priced at Rs 58,458 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Bajaj V12 completes against the Hero Glamour 125, Yamaha Saluto, and Honda CB Shine SP.

The Bajaj V12’s distinguished styling has been successful in earning itself a reputable position in the premium commuter segment. It looks identical to its elder sibling, the V15, and built using the same metal from the country’s first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. 

A sharp and clear headlamp design coupled with an analogue instrument cluster makes up the bike’s front fascia. Its rear tyre is slightly skinnier than the one on the V15, but still passes as the widest in its segment. Apart from this, the bike employs a more conventional set of alloy wheels in order to cut costs. 

The Bajaj V12 is powered by an air-cooled 124.5 cc, four-stroke engine that churns out 10.7PS @ 7500rpm and 10.9Nm @ 5500rpm. It comes paired to a 5-speed transmission that transfers power to the rear wheel via chain drive and offers seamless shifts. 

The Bajaj V12 uses a dual-cradle frame with front telescopic forks and twin gas charged shocks at the rear. 130mm drum units at the front and rear provide ample stopping power. Its 18-inch front and 16-inch rear tyres come wrapped in 2.75-inch front and 100/90-section tyres at the rear.

The bikes unique design language, reliable engine and safety features work well for the mass market segment. Its sporty headlamp, which gets Auto Headlamp ON (AHO), works as a safety feature, be it night or day, as it allows other vehicles to spot you from a distance. That said, the absence of ABS, or even CBS for that matter,  works as a downside for the bike.